Naples man arrested for cocaine traffickingSanibel’s new rangers educate cyclists on path rules and e-bike limits
NAPLES Naples man arrested for cocaine trafficking A Naples man is facing a narcotics trafficking charge after deputies say he pitched cocaine out of his vehicle while trying to elude deputies.
SANIBEL Sanibel’s new rangers educate cyclists on path rules and e-bike limits Sanibel is a popular destination for biking enthusiasts, especially during the busy winter season. With over 26 miles of paved paths, the island offers stunning scenery for cyclists.
Cape Coral residents voice concerns over rental noise and rule-breaking Cape Coral is once again buzzing with discussions on short-term rentals.
Exclusive: Collier County Sheriff’s Office using tech to fight traffic congestion Naples is turning to technology to tackle traffic troubles.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers charity loses donation pod after complaint from local realtor Doug Miller and Amy Eldridge watched as their storage pod was towed away, marking the end of an era for their charitable efforts.
dunbar Dunbar’s Southward Village set for affordable housing transformation Southward Village is set to become a new hub for affordable housing as companies prepare to build on the now-empty site.
BABCOCK RANCH Babcock Ranch showcases cutting-edge robot in home construction Neighbors, friends, and students gathered Wednesday morning to witness a groundbreaking event in their community.
FORT MYERS Lee County schools expand garden program to 14 schools The Lee County School District is expanding its farm-to-school garden program to 14 schools, providing fresh ingredients for cafeteria meals.
SANIBEL Sanibel dredging raises questions about red tide and beach conditions The beaches of Southwest Florida are a major attraction and a key reason why many visit or move to the area. However, a recent look at the Gulf waters shows a concerning change.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for February 12, 2025 Here are some of Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
Charlotte County faces drought, Punta Gorda limits lawn watering Charlotte County is feeling the heat as it grapples with a significant drought.
LEE COUNTY Red Sox pitchers and catchers return to SWFL Boston Red Sox pitchers and catchers report to JetBlue Park for the first workout of the Spring Training season.
FORT MYERS Man arrested for prowling and enticing a child in Fort Myers A concerned citizen flagged down Florida Highway Patrol state troopers in Fort Myers to report an adult man was harassing his daughter, according to authorities.
Exclusive: Collier County sheriff explains how immigration crackdown helps residents There is concern over illegal immigration in Southwest Florida and its impact on safety and money.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers man pleads guilty following Papa Johns armed robbery A Fort Myers man has pled guilty to multiple charges following a robbery at a Fort Myers Papa Johns in September.
NAPLES Naples man arrested for cocaine trafficking A Naples man is facing a narcotics trafficking charge after deputies say he pitched cocaine out of his vehicle while trying to elude deputies.
SANIBEL Sanibel’s new rangers educate cyclists on path rules and e-bike limits Sanibel is a popular destination for biking enthusiasts, especially during the busy winter season. With over 26 miles of paved paths, the island offers stunning scenery for cyclists.
Cape Coral residents voice concerns over rental noise and rule-breaking Cape Coral is once again buzzing with discussions on short-term rentals.
Exclusive: Collier County Sheriff’s Office using tech to fight traffic congestion Naples is turning to technology to tackle traffic troubles.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers charity loses donation pod after complaint from local realtor Doug Miller and Amy Eldridge watched as their storage pod was towed away, marking the end of an era for their charitable efforts.
dunbar Dunbar’s Southward Village set for affordable housing transformation Southward Village is set to become a new hub for affordable housing as companies prepare to build on the now-empty site.
BABCOCK RANCH Babcock Ranch showcases cutting-edge robot in home construction Neighbors, friends, and students gathered Wednesday morning to witness a groundbreaking event in their community.
FORT MYERS Lee County schools expand garden program to 14 schools The Lee County School District is expanding its farm-to-school garden program to 14 schools, providing fresh ingredients for cafeteria meals.
SANIBEL Sanibel dredging raises questions about red tide and beach conditions The beaches of Southwest Florida are a major attraction and a key reason why many visit or move to the area. However, a recent look at the Gulf waters shows a concerning change.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Most Wanted Wednesday: Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for February 12, 2025 Here are some of Southwest Florida’s most wanted suspects for Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
Charlotte County faces drought, Punta Gorda limits lawn watering Charlotte County is feeling the heat as it grapples with a significant drought.
LEE COUNTY Red Sox pitchers and catchers return to SWFL Boston Red Sox pitchers and catchers report to JetBlue Park for the first workout of the Spring Training season.
FORT MYERS Man arrested for prowling and enticing a child in Fort Myers A concerned citizen flagged down Florida Highway Patrol state troopers in Fort Myers to report an adult man was harassing his daughter, according to authorities.
Exclusive: Collier County sheriff explains how immigration crackdown helps residents There is concern over illegal immigration in Southwest Florida and its impact on safety and money.
FORT MYERS Fort Myers man pleads guilty following Papa Johns armed robbery A Fort Myers man has pled guilty to multiple charges following a robbery at a Fort Myers Papa Johns in September.
FORT MYERS, Fla. – More than 20 members of the “Lake Boyz” gang were arrested and are facing multiple charges, including heroin trafficking, aggravated assault and various firearm offenses, following a two-year operation by the Fort Myers Police Department and state attorney’s office, both agencies announced Thursday morning. “It is not the end. There are still other members of this organization that we’re investigating,” Fort Myers Police Chief Derrick Diggs said. Targeting 23 individuals, “Operation Great Lakes” netted 21 arrests early Wednesday morning. Two are still being sought. Arrests started at 4 a.m. with help from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, FBI and U.S. Marshals, said Fort Myers police spokesman Lt. Jay Rodriguez, who added that arrests were made in Lee County, northern Florida and outside the state. Those arrested will be charged under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal law commonly known as RICO. Passed in 1970, RICO has been used by state and federal prosecutors to combat organized crime groups. “This is a new approach,” said Steve Russell, state attorney for the 20th judicial circuit, regarding using RICO in Southwest Florida. “We’ve come together to work together to try to really work on an organization that involves a lot of people who often do get away with minor or lesser crimes.” But the approach took time because there’s plenty of investigating that goes into proving that a criminal enterprise exists, Diggs said. “We still have individuals we’re looking for, we still have investigations going on,” he said. “This is just the tip of the iceberg of the type of work we’re going to be doing to protect our community. Now more than ever, we need the help of our good citizens to come forward and tell us about the crimes that occurred in the past and the ones that are about to happen in the future and work with us. If there’s fear, we’ve demonstrated that we’ve taken these individuals off the street.” The gang has operated in the Harlem Lakes neighborhood since the 1990s, said Diggs, who added that members have racked up over 400 charges and 200 convictions within the past two decades. “This group has tormented the Harlem Lakes neighborhood for years,” Diggs said. The group was believed to be involved in a wave of violence where seven people were shot, including a child, over the span of seven hours in 2015. They’re also known for posting music videos showing off their weapons, Rodriguez said. “We hear about them quite often,” he said. “It’s clearly an organization that commits criminal activity, which is why we went after them.” Those arrested will make their first court appearances Friday morning. Watch the full press conference here: Submit Copyright ©2025 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.